The suspects were alleged to have colluded with six other Thai suspects to swindle Bt2 million from Thai women im five different cities; Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon, Phitsanulok, Chon Buri and Bangkok’s Dusit district, Thailand.

Deputy Tourist Police chief Maj-General Surachate Hakpan told newsmen that the investigation began after complaints from victims – each of whom wired between Bt300,000 and Bt500,000 to the gang.

Hakpan said that the Thai suspects – including at least four Thai women – aided the gang by opening bank accounts and withdrawing cash for the foreign suspects.

He added that despite the Thai suspects’ claim of innocence, they would face a charge of public fraud and abetting trans-national crimes, which is punishable with up to 10 years imprisonment.